It has been a long time dream of mine to live aboard a sailboat. I've lived on the water my entire life and been sailing numerous times. I currently live in San Diego and would like to pursue living aboard a boat this summer. I'm wondering where's the best place to dock while being both cost effective and still being able to go to work daily? I've researched this but also feel reaching out on this forum could help. I am also currently saving up to purchase a boat.

Hi Anthony and welcome to the forum. Unfortunately, cost effective, live aboard, dock and San Diego do not really go together. Very common question. Check out a few of the previous discussions on this question, linked here.

Where will you be working? That affects the shortest commute for you. There are liveaboard spaces from Chula Vista, at the bottom of the bay, to Shelter Island, at the top.

What kind of boat, and what size? Power boats are common, and getting cheaper due to the high cost of fuel (making them more like crashpads than vessels). Monohull sailboats are also pretty available these days. Multihulls are more of a challenge due to availability of end and side ties. Big boats pay a premium for dock space. Moorings are available, but not necessarily convenient or comfortable, especially the "Rock and Roll" moorings off Shelter Island.

Technically, there are no liveaboards allowed in Mission Bay (discrete silence, here).

The cost of renting a slip will be generally less than renting a much larger apartment. Still, the act of living in a space slightly larger than a closet, is familiar to you, so you'll probably adapt well.

Some yacht clubs are soliciting memberships for smaller boats, and they also have liveaboards, so you can check those out, as well. Good luck!

Thanks for the info! I am looking for a 30' or so monohull, depending on what I can find for a decent price. I am currently at college in Point Loma and will be looking for a job down by shelter island at a restaurant or yacht club for the summer.

I understand this is a very popular area (all of San Diego) and will probably be on a waiting list for a while. Was it difficult in getting a slip in sun harbor marina? Where would be the best place to apply to a slip near Point Loma?

Anthony, I assume you are attending PLN. Ask some of your fellow students about Southwestern Yacht Club. They are still offering slips for the smaller sizes, and your age will qualify you for the lowest initiation fees. Our slip fees and liveaboard costs are among the cheapest in San Diego Bay. But don't wait too long, these things change quickly. Other places are the three marinas on the west end of Harbor Island. You could ride a bike to school, but the climb up the hill will give you a good morning's workout.

Thanks Roy I appreciate your information! That hill would be a great workout in the morning or another excuse not to go to that early morning class haha. How much (if you don't mind me asking) would it roughly cost a month to be part of your yacht club an also be a live aboard?